How to apply Snake Skin on Wheels

Snake Skin is a high-performance peelable aerosol paint that lets you give your wheels a smooth, paint-like finish at home, then peel it off when you want a change. This is a guide on how to apply Snake Skin products car wheels/rims. The general rules of wearing protective clothing, mask, gloves, eye protection as well as spraying in a well ventilated area above 16c and below 60% humidity applies for all products.

Our kits come with the masking, cleaning and care materials need for the application of Snake Skin. 

Step 1: Wash the wheels (best be done the previous day)

• Wash your wheels thoroughly with pre-cleaner. Apply the included in the kits Iron Remover (let it sit for 20-30 seconds and scrub with small brush)
• Get into all the spokes, lug areas, and around the valve stem.
• Rinse well and dry completely with microfiber towels or let air-dry overnight.
• Any leftover water will pull up the coating and it will not stick to the wheel surface! Make sure the wheel is dry (especially between the rim and tyre)

Step 2: Prep and mask

• Wipe every surface you’ll be spraying using alcohol towels or isopropyl alcohol.
  
• If you’re spraying the wheels while they’re still mounted, feed the masking bag through the wheel spokes and cover over the entire rotor and caliper assembly. 
• Use masking tape and plastic sheeting to cover the tyre sidewall and separate the wheel from the tyre
• Mask valve stems and lug nuts if exposed
• Mask or remove center caps if you want them to stay a different finish.
  
  

Step 3: Apply tack coats

• Shake your aerosol can for at least one minute to fully mix and warm the product.
• Spray the first 4 coats as very light mist that looks dusty or slightly speckled focusing on tight spaces rather than coverage and full color
• Make sure not to spray in one place for too long and leave enough time to dry (matt out) between layers 5-15min (depending on environment)

Step 4: Full wet coats

This is usually the hardest part to get right, you want even coverage, but don't want to get any runs.

• Start your first wet coat once the last tack coat has flashed off.
• Use smooth, overlapping passes so the surface looks fully wet and uniform.
• Keep the can moving at a steady pace.
• Add at least 3-4 wet coats depending on thickness.
• Wait around 10 to 25 minutes between wet coats, depending on temperature (usually the time it takes to go through the next wheels)
• Let coverage build gradually. Heavy coverage too early can cause drips

Step 4: Unmasking, curing, care

• Remove masking tape where it's bridged or same level with the surface of the wheel while the paint is wet in order not to lift the film of the wheel as well
• When dry carefully remove all masking and brake bags, pull the tape back over itself at a sharp angle for a cleaner edge.
• Full cure will take longer than dry-to-touch, often several hours.
• Avoid driving immediately over dusty or wet roads.
• Hold off on pressure washing or strong cleaners for at least 24 hours.

When cured you can apply the included Snake Skin Coating for a slick finish

• Snake Skin helps protect the underlying surface while remaining flexible and non-brittle.

Aftercare:

• Wash wheels with gentle car shampoo or Snake Skin wheel cleaners rather than harsh acids or strong degreasers.
  
• When you’re ready for a change, Snake Skin should peel off in large sheets if you applied enough coats.

Ready to Snake Skin your wheels?

You now have a complete installation guide, from surface prep and masking to tack coats, wet coats, and maintenance. Snake Skin gives you the flexibility of a peelable wheel paint with the look and feel of a modern, paint-like finish.